New York Mets‘ owner Steve Cohen sits at the head of the table with a team with the worst record in baseball. Shuttling through the fanbase, some lay the fault at Cohen’s feet. However, according to Adam Wells of Bleacher Report, one anonymous MLB executive absolves the Mets owner of any wrongdoing regarding fielding a winning product.
“I can’t find anyone who says Steve Cohen is a meddler or someone who isn’t a supportive, positive owner. But the people he’s hired have let him down. ”
This appears as a direct criticism of two people: the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, and manager Carlos Mendoza. Cohen tends to stay out of the baseball matters while showing support for both. Yet, the team perennially disappoints, despite the fact that much of the focus centers around Stearns’ decisions.
Nobody likes to lose but I saw some “ green shoots tonight “. On offense, Lindor had two hits including a home run. Bichette got a double hitting it to left field as opposed to recently being right field prone. Benge got a solid hit. Soto started his running progression today.…
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) April 15, 2026
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Better as a Small Market Executive?
On September 21, 2015, the Milwaukee Brewers hired Stearns as their general manager, overseeing baseball operations. Milwaukee, perhaps the definitive small-market team with a limited payroll and resources, found success with Stearns. The team won the division on more than one occasion.
The current Mets general manager became renowned for skillful, low-money deals that not only improved his team but also built depth. Stearns procured Christian Yelich from the Florida Marlins for a quartet of fringe players. Yelich won an MVP and a pair of Silver Slugger Awards in Milwaukee. On top of that, two batting titles found their way to Wisconsin.
GettyMets president of baseball operations David Stearns
Yet, when the Mets hired Stearns, he walked into a franchise owned by a billionaire that wanted to spend money. To his credit, Cohen made sure to give the general manager everything he wanted, financially. However, the lack of success snowballed. Meanwhile, the MLB executive praised Cohen but offered a reality check.
“As a businessman, Cohen is one of the best in the world. But baseball is a very different business model with a lot more unpredictability, and even someone as astute as he is will have difficulty navigating things.”
Dugout Issues Could Spell End for Mendoza
While rumors occasionally find daylight, the Mets cannot help what finds its way to the light. For example, stories about locker room culture became an annual ritual for reporters. Last year, murmurs regarding outfielder Juan Soto’s demeanor found the airwaves. By nature, Soto is a reserved player who goes to work, plays, and then leaves.
Between that and stories that shortstop Francisco Lindor disliked several ex-teammates. Where is Mendoza during these times? The manager resides as an authority figure. However, Mendoza takes the microphone after losses, detailing how the team is upset and they need to do better. Yet, that does not seem to be happening.
Cohen isn’t going to fire himself as owner. Similarly, he will not relieve Stearns of his duties, despite a large pocket of fans wanting that. To his credit, he’s built a strong minor league system. Yet, it’s the major league roster construction that fell flat. Stearns built the 2026 lineup with players out of position and unproven in key spots.
Moreover, he traded for an ace that doesn’t seem able to pitch through six innings with any effectiveness. Cohen has committed $1,739,399,429 in payroll since 2021. During that same period, the Mets owned three winning seasons and only two playoff appearances. As an owner, Cohen entrusted the future of the franchise to an executive with a track record of building winning franchises with a fraction of the payroll.
Until Stearns’ contract expires, he will probably stay in New York. People proclaim they want him gone, but what’s the backup plan? In contrast, Mendoza becomes more expendable with each loss.
Mets Owner Steve Cohen Vindicated by MLB Exec Over Disastrous April